We are Born Again to a Living Hope

Are you experiencing Discouragement? Sorrow? Stress? Hopelessness? Frustration? Misunderstanding? Loneliness? Persecution? The list could go on and on. These may be just some of the trials that Peter might be acknowledging in 1 Peter 1:6 when he asks if we are grieved by various trials? How in the world do we drag ourselves out of times like these?

Let’s begin by going back to verse 3 of this passage and let it speak to our hurting hearts:

“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

According to His great mercy,

He has caused us

to be born again to a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

from the dead,

4to an inheritance that is

imperishable, undefiled, & unfading,

kept in Heaven for YOU

5who by God’s power are being guarded through faith

For a salvation

ready to be revealed

in the last time.

6In this you rejoice, (WHAT? Terry’s interjection)

Though now for a little while, if necessary,

You have been grieved by various trials . . .”

Peter, reminds us that God has caused us to be born again to a living hope and that we have an eternal inheritance that cannot be taken away. We are protected spiritually by His power and we have an eternal relationship with the Living Lord Jesus. He goes on to say that our trials are intended to refine our faith so that we FOCUS on the Eternal Blessings of our Eternal God.

Further reminders during dark times:

‘. . . cast your cares on Him, because He cares for you’ (1 Peter 5:7)

‘Though He slay me, yet I will hope in Him’ (Job 13:15)

‘I know that my Redeemer lives.’ (Job 19:25)

‘Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’ (1 Thess. 5:18)

-Pastor Terry Schoenfeld